The Claire Kantor Foundation

Claire Kantor was a freshman at Florida State University when she died in a car accident on her way home for spring break on March 5, 2000. Claire had a remarkable generosity of spirit, a beautiful, caring nature and a smile that would light up a room. Claire is always remembered by her parents, Jill and Seymour, her best friend and sister, Joanne, family in Miami and South Africa and by her many, many friends who all support the Foundation in her memory and honor.

Claire was born December 15, 1980 in Johannesburg, South Africa and moved to Miami with her parents and sister, Joanne in 1987. Claire loved to draw, paint, sculpt and work in her journal while listening to Dave Matthews. Claire attended Ojus Elementary School, Highland Oaks Middle School and University School of Nova Southeastern University.

Scholarship Awards and Fundraising

To date, The Claire Kantor Foundation has awarded 29 scholarships in Claire’s name. In the beginning the Foundation awarded one or two $1,000 awards each year for 4 years. From 2008 the Foundation has awarded scholarships of $1,500 each for 4 years, a total of $6,000 per award.

Each year there are more and more talented and deserving applicants and we hope to continue the awards long into the future.

Funds are raised in a number of ways:

Donations: either as a direct contribution or in honor or memory of someone.

The Claire Collection Pewter Serving Pieces: 100% of the proceeds from the sale of pewter serving pieces that are named for Claire.

Annual Art Auction: Silent bid auction of artwork donated by friends of the Foundation, previous recipients of the award and local, national and international artists.

See the auction catalogs for artwork available from past auctions and new work for the upcoming auction.

Claire’s Books: 100% of the proceeds from the sale of two children’s books written and illustrated by Claire in Elementary school.

100% of all donations go to fund Claire Kantor Foundation scholarships and are tax deductable. There are no administrative costs. Donors receive relevant receipt letters from The Foundation of Jewish Philanthropies for tax purposes.